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Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Inhaling asbestos fibers cause mesothelioma pleural and swallowing asbestos can lead to mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. Symptoms can appear within 10 to 50 years of the initial diagnosis. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, chest pain and a shortness of breath. Risk Factors Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibres enter the body. The most well-known type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural, which develops in the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. Mesothelioma can also develop in the peritoneum (the membrane that surrounds the heart) or in the pericardium. The cancer may take up to 50 years to develop and manifest symptoms. These symptoms are frequently misinterpreted as flu-like illnesses. Mesothelioma is most often found in older people, and is more prevalent in men than women. The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral composed of tiny fibres, was utilized in the construction of buildings, such as in ceilings and walls. It is abrasive to heat and fire. It was also used in the manufacturing of products like pipes insulation, shingles, insulation and cement. Mesothelioma is a deadly disease for people who work in industries that make use of asbestos, for example mining, shipbuilding, or construction. Even those who have been exposed to asbestos for a short period of time such as relatives who brought home asbestos-covered clothing or skin are at risk. A small percentage of mesothelioma patients are linked to a genetic mutation known as BAP1. This genetic mutation increases the chance of developing mesothelioma among people who have been exposed to asbestos. The patient's age is also a risk factor. Mesothelioma is most common among those who are older than 45, and two thirds of those diagnosed with it are 65 years or older. This is largely due to the long latency period due to asbestos exposure, but it could be due to the fact that the disease tends to affect older patients who have experienced more prolonged and heavy exposure to the cancer-causing substance. White males are more likely develop mesothelioma more than any other race or gender. This is because historically, white men were more likely to work in occupations which put them at a greater risk of exposure to asbestos than other groups. Additionally, mesothelioma was most often seen in those who were exposed to asbestos prior to when better regulations were put in during the 1980s. Symptoms Mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos, occurs in the linings that protect several organs. The cancerous tumors can cause extreme pain and damage the tissue. The malignancy may expand to other areas through the lymphatic or bloodstream system. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of other illnesses such as influenza or pneumonia. They often take 10 – 50 years to appear after exposure to asbestos. The time of latency can make it difficult to identify the disease early and symptoms could be misinterpreted as other conditions. In most cases, the malignant tumors begin in the chest cavity and lungs (pleura). However, mesothelioma may also develop in the tissues of the heart and abdomen. In rare cases, the disease can even affect the testes' lining, or the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium). Asbestos is made up of minerals in a grouping which form long, thin fibers. These fibers are so tough that they cannot be broken down by chemical or water, or even bacteria. These materials were widely used in a variety construction and household products before scientists realised how hazardous they were to the lives of people. The majority of mesothelioma cases were triggered by exposure to asbestos at work or at home. The majority of patients who were exposed were employed in the US Navy or Air Force, Shipbuilding Industry, or Construction. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. Veterans comprise around 30 percent of all cases. Imaging scans and medical tests can aid in diagnosing mesothelioma. This includes X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. The doctor can also send a sample of tissue to a lab for testing. The results can help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma and stage of the disease which influences prognosis and treatment options. Most types of mesothelioma are epithelioid or sarcomatoid, and between 10 and 15 percent are biphasic or mixed. Epithelioid mesothelioma is generally less aggressive and has the best survival rates. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is harder to identify and has a lower prognosis. Diagnosis It can be difficult to identify mesothelioma, especially in its early stages. The first step is to see their primary care physician if they experience any signs, like coughing or chest pains. The doctor will observe the patient's breathing through an stethoscope, and record their health history and work. This includes any past history of asbestos exposure, which is important in determining mesothelioma's diagnosis. Because mesothelioma's symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, doctors must rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis. Cancer can develop in the lung of a patient from other body parts like the abdomen or chest. Asbestos-related lung diseases, like pneumonia, are common in asbestos-related victims. Pleural mesothelioma can be confused with other respiratory illnesses. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed with blood tests, imaging tests and biopsies. These tests can aid doctors in identifying the cancerous site that is typically located in the lungs but can also be in the stomach or testicles. These tests can also help doctors determine the extent of the cancer is spreading in the body. A CT scan or MRI could reveal mesothelioma-related signs. This includes calcium deposits (also called plaque) in the pleura as well as an accumulation of lung tissue and chest wall. These tests can also determine whether a patient has more lung tissue on one side or the other. In many instances, a biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. This involves removing some of the tissue and analyzing it in the laboratory for mesothelioma cells. Some patients may require additional tests, like FDG-positron emission tomography (PET), which helps doctors understand how the tumor is affecting the lungs' blood supply; mediastinoscopy, which permits doctors to look at and sample lymph nodes located in the middle of the chest and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) which makes use of sound waves to study the mesothelium and lungs. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, is still being treated by doctors. Therefore, patients who are diagnosed with cancer need to weigh their options carefully to decide which treatment is the best for them. Treatment Mesothelioma can affect the lung linings and abdomen (peritoneal cancer), or heart (pericardial cancer). The symptoms usually don't show up for a long time after asbestos exposure. It is essential that those who have been exposed to asbestos be checked if they experience unusual symptoms. A doctor will look over your medical history to determine if you have mesothelioma-related risks. This includes how long and how often you were exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also perform an examination to detect symptoms of mesothelioma like the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. The type of cells found in the mesothelium and the location of those cells, are used to classify mesothelioma. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is epithelioid, which makes up to 60% to the majority of mesothelioma patients. Other types of mesothelioma include sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic which account for 10% to 15% of all mesothelioma cases. There are a myriad of treatments available to people with mesothelioma. The type of treatment depends on the type of mesothelioma as well as the stage of the disease. In some instances, mesothelioma may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation. During these treatments doctors administer powerful chemotherapy medications or use special equipment to eliminate cancerous tumors and decrease the chance of mesothelioma coming back. Other forms of mesothelioma are treated with surgery that removes part of the lining from the affected organ. This may also help alleviate breathing difficulties and other symptoms. If a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma of the pleura, their doctor may perform VATS, a procedure which uses a camera inserted into the lungs in order to remove part of the lung and pleura. This procedure can alleviate breathing problems caused by the build-up of fluid in the lungs, however it does not cure the disease. jersey city asbestos lawsuit for treatment include pain management or support services. It is essential for patients with mesothelioma to get as much information as possible about the disease and how to cope with it. The more informed they are, the better they can plan for a future which includes a full range of wellness and health activities.